Denver Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Receives 2026 Work Plan Update from Denver International Airport – May 8, 2026

The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the Denver City Council met on May 8, 2026, to receive a briefing from Denver International Airport (DEN) leadership on their 2026 work plan, including major capital projects, operational improvements, and strategic initiatives. The presentation highlighted record passenger growth, progress on the Great Hall project, and plans for future expansion to accommodate up to 120 million annual passengers by 2045.

Consent Calendar

• The committee approved six consent items without discussion. Details of these items were not provided in the briefing.

Discussion Items

• Airport Overview: Dave Laporte, Chief Operating Officer, reported that DEN served 82.4 million passengers in 2025, making it the fourth busiest airport in the U.S. and tenth busiest globally. The airport serves 26 airlines with nonstop flights to 236 destinations (201 domestic, 35 international). DEN contributes $47.2 billion annually to the local economy and employs over 43,000 people.
• Vision 100 and Operation 2045: CEO Phil Washington, who arrived late due to a DNC briefing, outlined the strategic plan. Vision 100 aims to reach 100 million annual passengers by approximately 2032, while Operation 2045 targets 120 million passengers by the airport's 50th anniversary in 2045. Key pillars include empowering people, growing infrastructure, maintaining assets, and expanding global connections.
• Great Hall Program: The $2.1 billion terminal renovation is ahead of schedule and under budget, with completion expected by the end of 2027 (six months ahead of the original mid-2028 target). The project includes three distinct areas: Global Gateway (international arrivals), Welcome Home Colorado (Colorado-centric center), and the Living Room (relaxation and dining). Final work includes replacing damaged tiles, installing new information booths, and completing public art.
• Pena Boulevard Corridor: The NEPA process for improvements between I-70 and E470 is underway, with public scoping meetings held (first in Green Valley Ranch, second in July 2026). A preferred alternative is expected by the end of 2026, with NEPA approval anticipated in Q2 2028. The project aims to increase capacity and transit access to the airport.
• Consolidated Rental Car Facility (ConRAC): The facility, planned for the current rental car area (less than a mile from the terminal), will have 16,000–18,000 spaces. The project is separate from the transport system (automated people mover or other technology) to manage risk. Lessons learned from other airports include keeping the facility and transport as separate projects and designing for 100% EV capability rather than all-electric initially. The transport technology decision is pending.
• C West Expansion: This is the final concourse expansion on existing structures, adding 11 new gates to reach 100 million passengers. A small business is leading the project as prime contractor, with a larger firm as subcontractor under a mentor-protégé agreement—a deliberate strategy to expand opportunities for historically underutilized businesses.
• North Terminal Expansion (Operation 2045): A new blue-roofed terminal building (processor) will be built from 2028 to 2033, adding airline counters, security, and international baggage facilities. Subsequently, walkable concourses (not Concourse D) with 25 gates each will be built, starting with six international gates, to reach 120 million passengers.
• Baggage Handling System: The conveyor system and screening machines, installed after 9/11, are being replaced with TSA grants. A contract with PCL Construction is underway for a multi-year project.
• Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS): Twenty-six new train cars have been ordered (16 replacements, 10 additions), with deliveries starting in 2027 and completion by 2028. The guideway, power distribution, switches, and signaling system will be upgraded to increase capacity, and the maintenance facility will be expanded.
• Asset Management: DEN is conducting condition assessments every five years, with proactive replacement to avoid failures. Over 70 miles of underground piping have been inspected via camera, finding good condition.
• Alternative Energy: An RFI issued in December 2025 closed on March 31, 2026, receiving 38 submissions (including battery storage, solar, small modular reactors, geothermal). DEN is reviewing responses and will report back to council and the community. The goal is to achieve zero emissions, potentially making DEN the world's first zero-emission airport.
• Direct Flight to Africa: Phil Washington updated that discussions with Ethiopian Airlines for a nonstop to Addis Ababa are ongoing. The airline previously prioritized Houston and had aircraft availability issues (now resolved). A technical stop for refueling may be needed due to altitude, and a direct flight is expected within two to three years.
• Spirit Airlines Closure: No impact on DEN as Spirit had not operated there for several years. United Airlines offered discounted fares and support for affected passengers and employees.
• Wayfinding Improvements: During construction, wayfinding is maintained with updated signage. A lid over the north escalator near the A bridge is being built to improve flow. Concourse B signage has been updated, with plans for A and C.

Key Outcomes

• The committee received the 2026 work plan briefing and asked questions regarding customer experience, schedule, budget, and equity in contracting.
• Council members expressed appreciation for the progress on the Great Hall (ahead of schedule, under budget), the innovative subcontracting model for C West, and the overall reduction in security wait times (30% increase in throughput per lane per hour).
• No formal votes were taken on the briefing items; the six consent items were approved unanimously without discussion.
• Next steps include continued community engagement on Pena Boulevard (July meeting), finalization of NEPA preferred alternative by end of 2026, selection of a transport technology for the ConRAC, and review of alternative energy RFI submissions.